Fantasy Football Week 17: Start and Sit

Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III passes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Philadelphia. Washington won 27-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
— AP

Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III passes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Philadelphia. Washington won 27-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
/ AP

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QB Robert Griffin III vs. Cowboys
19% (5)

RB C.J. Spiller vs. N.Y. Jets
22% (6)

QB Tom Brady vs. Dolphins
22% (6)

WR Dez Bryant at Redskins
19% (5)

QB Cam Newton at Saints
19% (5)

The last big game Robert Griffin III had was Week 12 at Dallas, where he put up 304 yards and four touchdowns on Thanksgiving Day.

The Cowboys have allowed 785 passing yards and five touchdowns the past two games.

Griffin plays big in big spots. With the NFC East and many fantasy championships hanging in the balance on Sunday night, I expect him to be huge once again.

He's only had three subpar games all season.

OAKLAND AT SAN DIEGO

Obvious starters: None.

Who to start: Philip Rivers (Chargers) has been excellent in his past eight meetings against the Raiders, throwing for 2,241 yards (280 per game), 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Oakland's 22nd-ranked pass defense isn’t going to offer much resistance this time around. Rivers has been pretty accurate over his past five games, with seven touchdowns passes and only one interception. The Chargers can’t run the football so expect them to air it out. Which means Danario Alexander (Chargers) will have a huge day going against the Raiders weak secondary. Antonio Gates (Chargers) has 10 touchdowns in 19 career games against Oakland. Although the Chargers have the NFL’s fourth-best run defense, Oakland’s offense begins and ends with Darren McFadden (Raiders). In the past two games, the Bolts have allowed five touchdowns to opposing running backs (to go with 175 rushing yards and 154 receiving yards). This bodes well for McFadden, who has 54 touches over the past two games.

Who to sit: Although everyone should be up for consideration when matching up against the Raiders, I’d sit Jackie Battle (Chargers) this week. The Chargers points will come through the air. Matt Leinart (Raiders) threw for 3.6 yards per pass attempt after replacing Carson Palmer last week. There’s no way I start Leinart, even if a week of practice should make him more comfortable

Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey (Raiders) will be the main target in what should be a pass-first Oakland offense on Sunday. The Chargers have allowed seven touchdowns to opposing wideouts over the past six games. Also, Heyward-Bey had nine catches for 130 yards and a score last New Year's Day.

Who to start: Jacquizz Rodgers (Falcons) should get a nice workload this week, with Michael Turner likely seeing the bench early.

Who to sit: Josh Freeman (Buccaneers) has struggled against the Falcons in his career. In his past six meetings with Atlanta, Freeman has seven total touchdowns and 11 total turnovers. The Falcons have also done well against opposing quarterbacks with Drew Brees and Cam Newton the only quarterbacks to score multiple touchdowns. Matt Ryan (Falcons), Roddy White (Falcons), Julio Jones (Falcons), Michael Turner (Falcons) and Tony Gonzalez (Falcons) will likely get the early hook in order to rest up for the playoffs.